In the statement, the NRA indirectly calls the recent actions of Open Carry Texas - a pro-gun group that's been holding open carry demonstrations in restaurants - impractical, rude and "harmful to the motives of pro-gun advocates."

More on the OCT demonstrations.

Open carry demonstrations in restaurant's are giving gun owners a bad rap.

That's pretty surprising, considering the organization's historical support of pro-gun groups. But it seems OCT has drifted a little too far from the shore.

Let's not mince words, not only is it rare, it's downright weird and certainly not a practical way to go normally about your business while being prepared to defend yourself. To those who are not acquainted with the dubious practice of using public displays of firearms as a means to draw attention to oneself or one's cause, it can be downright scary. It makes folks who might normally be perfectly open-minded about firearms feel uncomfortable and question the motives of pro-gun advocates.

OCT's demonstrations have certainly made a lot of people uncomfortable, including the executives of the restaurants where some of the demonstrations were held. Chilis, Sonic, Chipotle and Jack in the Box have all recently instituted firearms bans in their restaurants. Prior to the OCT demonstrations, these eateries were generally friendly to customers who carried licensed firearms.

It's safe to say that OCT has shot itself in the foot.

But they don't see it that way. In a recent posting on their Facebook page, the group voiced their complaints with the NRA's statement and threatened to terminate their membership with the organization.

Already, OCT members are posting pictures of themselves cutting up their life membership cards. If they do not retract their disgusting and disrespectful comments, OCT will have no choice but to withdraw its full support of the NRA and establish relationships with other gun rights organizations that fight for ALL gun rights, instead of just paying them lip service the way the NRA appears to be doing.

Whatever the NRA's motive in publicly addressing the demonstrations is, we're inclined to agree with their statement:"Using guns merely to draw attention to yourself in public not only defies common sense, it shows a lack of consideration and manners."

What are your thoughts on open carry demonstrations? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.